Memory module with buffered memory packages

ABSTRACT

A memory module includes a plurality of DRAM packages mounted on a printed circuit board. Each DRAM package includes a control die, stacked array dies, and first and second die interconnects coupling the stacked array dies to the control die. The control die includes data signal conduits coupled to the first die interconnects and control signal conduits coupled to the second die interconnects. The control die is configured to receive control signals, and to control the data signal conduits in accordance with the control signals. Each of the DRAM packages is configurable to communicate a respective set of bits of a data signal between a selected die among the stacked array dies and the data conduits in response to the control signals.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/602,099, filed May 22, 2017, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/095,288,filed Apr. 11, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,659,601 on May 23, 2017, whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/337,168, filedJul. 21, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,318,160, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/288,850, filed Nov. 3, 2011, nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,787,060, which claims the benefit of priority under 35U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/409,893,filed Nov. 3, 2010, and entitled “ARCHITECTURE FOR MEMORY MODULE WITHPACKAGES OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL STACKED (3DS) MEMORY CHIPS.” Thedisclosure of each of the above applications is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to memory devices and memory modules.More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methodsfor reducing the load of drivers of memory packages included on thememory modules.

Description of the Related Art

Memory modules may include a number of memory packages. Each memorypackage may itself include a number of array dies that are packagedtogether. Each array die may include an individual semiconductor chipthat includes a number of memory cells. The memory cell may serve as thebasic building block of computer storage representing a single bit ofdata.

FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate examples of existing memorypackage designs currently used or proposed to be used to provide thedynamic random-access memory of memory modules. FIG. 1A schematicallyillustrates a memory package 100 with three array dies 110 and a controldie 130. The control die 130 is configured to respond to signalsreceived by the memory package 100 by sending appropriate controlsignals to the array dies 110 and includes a driver 134 for driving datasignals to each of the array dies 110 via a corresponding dieinterconnect 120. Further, the control die 130 includes a driver 140 fordriving command and/or address signals to each of the array dies 110 viaanother corresponding die interconnect 142. For simplicity, FIG. 1Ashows only a single driver 134, die interconnect 120, driver 140, anddie interconnect 142. However, additional drivers and die interconnectsmay be included for each bit the memory package 100 is designed tosupport. Thus, a 16-bit memory may include 16 pairs of drivers and dieinterconnects for the data signals and other similar drivers and dieinterconnects for the command and/or address signals. Each array die 110also includes a chip select port 144, with the chip select ports 144 ofthe array dies 110 configured to receive corresponding chip selectsignals to enable or select the array dies for data transfer. The arraydies 110 are configured to transfer data (e.g. read or write) to or fromthe selected memory cells identified by the command, address, and chipselect signals via the die interconnects.

In some cases, the control die 130 may include memory cells andtherefore, also serve as an array die. Thus, as can be seen from FIG.1A, the control die 130 may also include a chip select port 144.Alternatively, the control die 130 and the array dies 110 may bedistinct elements and the control die 130 may not include any memorycells.

FIG. 1B schematically illustrates an example of a memory package 150that includes four array dies 160 and a control die 170 that does notinclude memory cells. As can be seen in FIG. 1B, each array die 160includes a chip select port 174. However, because the control die 170does not also serve as an array die, the control die 170 does notinclude a chip select port. As with memory package 100, memory package150 includes a driver 184 that drives data signals to each of the arraydies 160 along a corresponding die interconnect 182. Further, the memorypackage 150 includes a driver 186 for driving command and/or addresssignals to each of the array dies 160 via another die interconnect 188.

Generally, a load exists on each of the drivers 134, 140, 184, and 186by virtue of the drivers being in electrical communication with thecorresponding die interconnects and the corresponding circuitry of thearray dies. Thus, to drive a signal along a die interconnect, a drivertypically must be large enough to overcome the load on the driver.However, generally a larger driver not only consumes more space on thecontrol die, but also consumes more power.

SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, an apparatus is provided that comprises aplurality of array dies having data ports. The apparatus furthercomprises at least a first die interconnect and a second dieinterconnect. The first die interconnect is in electrical communicationwith at least one data port of a first array die of the plurality ofarray dies and at least one data port of a second array die of theplurality of array dies and not in electrical communication with thedata ports of at least a third array die of the plurality of array dies.The second die interconnect is in electrical communication with at leastone data port of the third array die and not in electrical communicationwith the data ports of the first array die and the data ports of thesecond array die. In addition, the apparatus comprises a control die.The control die comprises at least a first data conduit configured totransmit a data signal to the first die interconnect and to not transmitthe data signal to the second die interconnect, and at least a seconddata conduit configured to transmit the data signal to the second dieinterconnect and to not transmit the data signal to the first dieinterconnect.

In certain embodiments, an apparatus is provided that comprises aplurality of array dies having ports. The apparatus further comprises atleast a first die interconnect and a second die interconnect. The firstdie interconnect is in electrical communication with at least one portof a first array die of the plurality of array dies and at least oneport of a second array die of the plurality of array dies and not inelectrical communication with the ports of at least a third array die ofthe plurality of array dies. The second die interconnect is inelectrical communication with at least one port of the third array dieand not in electrical communication with the ports of the first arraydie and the ports of the second array die. In addition, the apparatuscomprises a control die. The control die comprises at least a firstconduit configured to transmit a signal to the first die interconnectand to not transmit the signal to the second die interconnect, and atleast a second conduit configured to transmit the signal to the seconddie interconnect and to not transmit the signal to the first dieinterconnect. Moreover, a first load on the first conduit comprises aload of the first die interconnect, a load of the first array die, and aload of the second array die. In addition, a second load on the secondconduit comprises a load of the second die interconnect and a load ofthe third array die.

In certain embodiments, a method is provided for optimizing load in amemory package. The memory package comprises a plurality of array dies,at least a first die interconnect and a second die interconnect, and acontrol die. The control die comprises at least a first driver and asecond driver, the first driver configured to drive a signal along thefirst die interconnect, and the second driver configured to drive thesignal along the second die interconnect. The method comprises selectinga first subset of array dies of the plurality of array dies and a secondsubset of array dies of the plurality of array dies. The first subset ofarray dies and the second subset of array dies are exclusive of oneanother and are selected to balance a load on the first driver and onthe second driver based at least in part on array die loads of arraydies of the plurality of array dies and at least in part on dieinterconnect segment loads of segments of at least the first dieinterconnect and the second die interconnect. The method furthercomprises forming electrical connections between the first dieinterconnect and the first subset of array dies. In addition, the methodcomprises forming electrical connections between the second dieinterconnect and the second subset of array dies.

In certain embodiments, an apparatus is provided that comprises aregister device configured to receive command/address signals from amemory control hub and to generate data path control signals. Theapparatus further comprises a plurality of DRAM packages. Each of theDRAM packages comprises a control die. The control die comprises aplurality of command/address buffers and a data path control circuitconfigured to control command/address time slots and data bus timeslots. The control die is configured to receive data signals from thememory control hub, the data path control signals from the registerdevice, and command/address signals from the register device. Further,each of the DRAM packages comprises a plurality of DDR DRAM diesoperatively coupled to the control die to receive the data signals fromthe control die. Moreover, the memory module is selectively configurableinto at least two operational modes. The two operational modes comprisea first operational mode and a second operational mode. In the firstoperational mode the register device generates the data path controlsignals, and the control die uses the data path control signals tooperate the data path control circuit. In the second operational mode,the control die operates the data path control circuit to provide thecommand/address signals to the plurality of DDR DRAM dies withoutdecoding the command/address signals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicatecorrespondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided toillustrate certain example embodiments of the inventive subject matterdescribed herein and not to limit the scope thereof.

FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate examples of existing memorypackage designs.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a memorypackage in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates another example embodiment of a memorypackage in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a driverstructure of a control die in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 presents a flowchart for an example embodiment of a loadoptimization process.

FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate an example of a Load ReductionDual In-line Memory Module (LRDIMM) and a HyperCloud™ Dual In-lineMemory Module (HCDIMM) architecture respectively.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an example of a Three-DimensionalStructure Dual In-line Memory Module (3DS-DIMM) architecture.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a memorymodule architecture in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

In addition to the below, the following U.S. patents are incorporated intheir entirety by reference herein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,289,386, 7,286,436,7,442,050, 7,375,970, 7,254,036, 7,532,537, 7,636,274, 7,630,202,7,619,893, 7,619,912, 7,811,097. Further, the following U.S. patentapplications are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein:U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/422,912, 12/422,853, 12/577,682,12/629,827, 12/606,136, 12/874,900, 12/422,925, 12/504,131, 12/761,179,and 12/815,339.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure reduce the size of driversthat are configured to drive a signal, such as a data signal, along adie interconnect to one or more array dies. Further, certain embodimentsof the present disclosure reduce the power consumption of the drivers.

In certain embodiments, reducing one or both of driver size and driverpower consumption may be accomplished by increasing the number of dieinterconnects and reducing the number of array dies that are inelectrical communication with each die interconnect. For example,instead of one die interconnect in electrical communication with fourarray dies, there may be two die interconnects, each in electricalcommunication with a different pair of the four array dies.

In certain embodiments, determining the number of die interconnects andthe number of array dies in electrical communication with each dieinterconnect is based, at least in part, on a load of each array die anda load of the die interconnect that is in electrical communication withone or more of the array dies.

In some embodiments, the load contribution from a die interconnect maybe negligible compared to the load contribution from the array dies. Insuch embodiments, determining the number of die interconnects and thenumber of array dies in electrical communication with each dieinterconnect may be based, at least in part, on a load of each array diewithout considering the load of the die interconnect. However, as thephysical size of a memory package shrinks, the load of a dieinterconnect becomes a non-negligible value relative to the load of thearray dies. Thus, as memory packages become physically smaller, itbecomes more important to consider the load of the die interconnect indetermining the number of die interconnects and the number of array diesin electrical communication with each die interconnect. Advantageously,certain embodiments of the present disclosure account for both the loadsof the array dies and the loads of the die interconnects on a conduit(e.g., driver) in determining the number of die interconnects to be usedand the number of array dies in electrical communication with each dieinterconnect.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example embodiment of a memorypackage 200 in accordance with the present disclosure. One example of amemory package that includes array dies and a control die is the HybridMemory Cube (HMC). Examples of an HMC compatible with certainembodiments described herein are described by the IDF2011 IntelDeveloper Forum website, http://www.intel.com/idf/index.htm, whichincludes presentations and papers from the IDF2011 Intel Developer Forumincluding the keynote address given by Justin Rattner on Sep. 15, 2011.Additional examples of an HMC compatible with certain embodimentsdescribed herein are described by the Hybrid Memory Cube Consortiumwebsite, http://www.hybridmemorycube.org. The memory package 200 caninclude any type of memory package. For example, the memory package 200may be a DRAM package, a SDRAM package, a flash memory package, or a DDRSDRAM package (e.g., DDR3, DDR4), to name a few. A memory module (notshown) may include one or more memory packages in accordance with thememory package 200. Further, the memory package 200 may includeinput/output terminals (not shown) that are configured to be placed inelectrical communication with circuitry of the memory module to transmitsignals between the memory package 200 and a Memory Control Hub (MCH)(not shown).

The memory package 200 may include a plurality of array dies 210 (e.g.,array dies 210 a-210 d). The plurality of array dies 210 may be sealedwithin the memory package 200. Further, circuitry of the array dies 210may be in electrical communication with the input/output terminals ofthe memory package 200. Although generally referred to as array diesherein, the array dies 210 may also be called slave dies or slave chips.Each of the array dies 210 a-210 d may include circuitry (e.g., memorycells) (not shown) for storing data. Examples of array dies compatiblewith certain embodiments described herein are described by the existingliterature regarding the Hybrid Memory Cube (e.g., as cited above). Asillustrated in FIG. 2, the plurality of array dies 210 may be arrangedin a stack configuration known as a three-dimensional structure (30S).Examples of 30S compatible with certain embodiments described herein aredescribed by the existing literature regarding the Hybrid Memory Cube(e.g., as cited above). However, the structure or layout of theplurality of array dies 210 is not limited as such, and other structuresare possible in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, theplurality of array dies 210 may be arranged in a planar structure, or ina structure that combines 30S with a planar structure. Moreover, whilethe memory package 200 is illustrated as including four array dies, thememory package 200 is not limited as such and may include any number ofarray dies. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the memory package200 may include eight array dies. As further examples, the memorypackage 200 may include three or sixteen array dies.

Each of the array dies 210 may include one or more data ports (notshown). The data ports enable electrical communication and data transferbetween the corresponding memory circuitry of the array dies 210 and acommunication pathway (e.g., a die interconnect).

In the example schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, the memory package200 includes a plurality of die interconnects 220 (e.g., dieinterconnects 220 a, 220 b). For example, certain versions of HMC havebeen reported to have 512 data ports per die, with the correspondingbits of each die all connected to a single die interconnect (e.g., TSV).Examples of die interconnects include, but are not limited to,through-silicon vias (TSV), conducting rods, wire bonds, and pins. (Seee.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,633,165 and 7,683,459.) Each of these dieinterconnects 220 may be coupled to, or in electrical communication withat least one data port of at least one of the array dies 210. In certainembodiments, at least one of the die interconnects 220 is in electricalcommunication with at least one data port from each of at least twoarray dies 210 without being in electrical communication with a dataport from at least one array die 210, which may be in electricalcommunication with a different die interconnect 220.

For example, die interconnect 220 a may be in electrical communicationwith a data port from array die 210 a and a data port from array die 210b (as illustrated by the darkened circles in FIG. 2) and not inelectrical communication with any data ports from array die 210 c or anydata ports from array die 210 d. The data ports of array dies 210 a and210 b in electrical communication with the die interconnect 220 a can becorresponding to the same data bit (e.g., 00). Other die interconnects(not shown) can be in electrical communication with other data portscorresponding to other data bits (e.g., 01, 02, . . . ) of array dies210 a and 210 b. These other die interconnects can be electricallyisolated from the corresponding data ports of array dies 210 c and 210d.

However, continuing this example, the die interconnect 220 b may be inelectrical communication with a data port from array die 210 c and adata port from array die 210 d (as illustrated by the darkened circlesin FIG. 2) (e.g., corresponding to the same data bit, e.g., 00) withoutbeing in electrical communication with any data ports from array die 210a and array die 210 b. Other die interconnects (not shown) can be inelectrical communication with other data ports corresponding to otherdata bits (e.g., 01, 02, . . . ) of array dies 210 c and 210 d. Despitenot being in electrical communication with any data ports from array die210 a and 210 b, in some implementations, the die interconnect 220 b maypass through the array dies 210 a and 210 b (as illustrated by theunfilled circles) e.g., through through-holes or vias of array dies 210a and 210 b. For some implementations, each of the array dies 210 may bein electrical communication with corresponding die interconnects 220,without any of the die interconnects 220 being in electricalcommunication with all of the array dies 210. Where existing systems mayutilize a single die interconnect to be in electrical communication withthe corresponding data ports of each array die (e.g., the data portscorresponding to the same bit), certain embodiments described hereinutilize multiple die interconnects to provide electrical communicationto the corresponding data ports of the array dies (e.g., the data portscorresponding to the same data bit) with none of the multiple dieinterconnects in electrical communication with data ports of all thearray dies.

In addition to the plurality of array dies 210, the memory package 200includes a control die 230, which may also be called a master die.Examples of master dies compatible with certain embodiments describedherein are described by the existing literature regarding the HybridMemory Cube (e.g., as cited above). In some embodiments, the control die230 may be one of the array dies 210. Alternatively, the control die 230may be a modified version of one of the array dies 210. Thus, in someimplementations, memory package 200 may include four dies or chipsinstead of the five illustrated in FIG. 2. Further, in some embodiments,the control die 230 may comprise a logic layer (e.g., the logic layer ofan HMC).

The control die 230 may include a number of data conduits 232, whichincludes data conduits 232 a and 232 b. Each of these data conduits 232may be configured to transmit a data signal to a single die interconnect220. For example, the data conduit 232 a may be configured to transmit adata signal to the die interconnect 220 a without transmitting the datasignal to the die interconnect 220 b. Conversely, the data conduit 232 bmay be configured to transmit the data signal to the die interconnect220 b without transmitting the data signal to the die interconnect 220 a(e.g., data conduit 232 b is electrically isolated from die interconnect220 a and data conduit 232 a is electrically isolated from dieinterconnect 220 b).

In some embodiments, the data conduits 232 may also include one or moredrivers 234 as schematically illustrated by FIG. 2. The drivers 234 maybe configured to drive the data signals along the corresponding dieinterconnects 220. In some embodiments, a single data conduit 232 ordriver 234 may be in electrical communication with multiple dieinterconnects 220, each of which may be in electrical communication withdifferent array dies 210.

Each of the data conduits 232 may be configured to receive the datasignal from a common source. For instance, the data conduit 232 a andthe data conduit 232 b may each receive a substantially similar, if notidentical, data signal from the same signal source (e.g. the data signalcorresponding to the same data bit). The source of the data signal mayinclude a data path, a driver, a latch, a pin, or any other constructthat may provide a data signal to a data conduit.

The data conduits 232 may each be subject to a load. Although notlimited as such, this load may be measured as a capacitive load, such asa parasitic capacitance. The load on each of the data conduits 232 mayinclude at least a load of the die interconnect 220 to which the dataconduit 232 is coupled or connected as well as a load of each array die210 with which the die interconnect 220 is in electrical communicationvia a data port of the die interconnect 220. Thus, for example, the loadof the data conduit 232 a may include loads of the die interconnect 220a, the array die 210 a, and the array die 210 b. Similarly, the load ofthe data conduit 232 b may include loads of the die interconnect 220 b,the array die 210 c, and the array die 210 d.

Generally, a load that would be on a data conduit that was in electricalcommunication with a die interconnect that was in electricalcommunication with at least one data port of each of the array dies 210can be considered the maximum load for a data conduit. This maximum loadis the load of a data conduit of a memory package that does notimplement the teachings of this disclosure, but is in accordance withconventional configurations.

In some implementations, the difference between the load of the dataconduit 232 a and the load of the data conduit 232 b is less than themaximum load for a data conduit as described above. Thus, in some cases,there may exist a degree of balance or equalization between the loads ofthe data conduits 232 a, 232 b. In some implementations, the differencebetween the load of the data conduit 232 a and the load of the dataconduit 232 b is zero or substantially zero. In some embodiments, thelength of each die interconnect 220, and the number of array dies 210 inelectrical communication with each die interconnect 220 may be selectedto maintain the difference between the load of the data conduit 232 aand the load of the data conduit 232 b to be at or below a thresholdload difference. For example, suppose that the load of each array die210 is 1, the load of each segment of the die interconnects 220 is 0.25,and that the threshold load difference is 0.5. Using the configurationschematically illustrated in FIG. 2, the load on the data conduit 232 ain this example is 2.5 and the load on the data conduit 232 b in thisexample is 3. Thus, in this example, the difference between the load ofthe data conduit 232 a and the load of the data conduit 232 b is at thethreshold load difference value of 0.5. However, an alternativeconfiguration that places the die interconnect 220 a in electricalcommunication with only the array die 210 a, and the die interconnect220 b in electrical communication with the array dies 210 b-210 d wouldnot satisfy the threshold load difference value of 0.5 of the aboveexample. In the alternative configuration, the load on the data conduit232 a would be 1.25 and the load on the data conduit 232 b would be 4.Thus, in the alternative configuration, the difference between the loadof the data conduit 232 a and the load of the data conduit 232 b is2.75, which is above the threshold load difference value of 0.5.

For certain embodiments, the load of each data conduit is less than themaximum load as described above. Thus, in some cases, the load of thedata conduit 232 a is less than the maximum load and the load of thedata conduit 232 b is less than the maximum load. Further, in manyimplementations, the combined load of the data conduit 232 a and thedata conduit 232 b is less than the maximum load of a single dataconduit. In other words, it is possible to design the data conduit 232 aand the data conduit 232 b to reduce the overall load compared to asingle data conduit that is in electrical communication with a dieinterconnect that is in electrical communication with at least one dataport of each of the array dies 210. By reducing the overall loadcompared to the single data conduit, it is possible in many cases toreduce power consumption. Further, it is possible in many cases tomaintain signal quality (e.g. maintain signal amplitude, maintain lowsignal distortion, etc.) while reducing power consumption.Advantageously, in a number of embodiments, by using multiple dataconduits instead of a single data conduit, the speed of the memorypackage 200 can be increased. In some cases, this speed increase caninclude a reduced latency in accessing array dies 210 and/or operatingthe memory package 200 at a higher clock frequency.

Each of the die interconnects 220 may include any type of conductingmaterial. For example, the die interconnects 220 may include copper,gold, or a conductive alloy, such as a copper/silver alloy. Further, thedie interconnects 220 may include any type of structure for enablingelectrical communication between the data conduits 232 and the dataports of the array dies 210. For example, the die interconnects 220 mayinclude a wire, a conducting rod, or a conducting trace, to name a few.Moreover, the die interconnects 220 may use vias, or through-siliconvias (TSVs) to couple with or to electrically communicate with an arraydie. For instance, die interconnect 220 a may be connected with dataports of the array dies 210 a and 210 b using vias (illustrated by thefilled or darkened circles). Examples of TSVs which may be used with thepresent disclosure are described further in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,633,165 and7,683,459.

In addition, the die interconnects 220 may use via holes to pass throughan array die that is not configured to be in electrical communicationwith the die interconnect. For instance, die interconnect 220 b may passthrough array dies 210 a and 210 b using TSVs that do not electricalcommunication between the die interconnect 220 b and data ports of thearray dies 210 a and 210 b (illustrated by the unfilled circles). Inthis way, the array dies 210 a, 210 b are not responsive to the datasignals being transmitted by the die interconnect 220 b. However, thedie interconnect 220 b may be connected with at least one data port ofeach of the array dies 210 c and 210 d using a via (illustrated by thefilled or darkened circles). In cases where the die interconnect passesthrough an array die that is not configured to be in electricalcommunication with the die interconnect, the TSV may include aninsulator or an air gap between the die interconnect and the array diecircuitry that is large enough to prevent electrical communicationbetween the die interconnect and the array die circuitry. In certainembodiments, the TSV for array dies that are configured to be inelectrical communication with the die interconnect and for array diesthat are not configured to be in electrical communication with the dieinterconnect may be configured the same. However, in such cases,electrical connections leading from the TSV of the array dies that arenot configured to be in electrical communication with the dieinterconnect may not exist or may be stubs. These stubs are notconfigured to provide electrical communication with the memory cells ofthe array die.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates a single pair of data conduits 232corresponding to a single pair of die interconnects 220, this is only tosimplify the drawing figure. The memory package 200 may generallyinclude as many additional data conduits and corresponding dieinterconnects as the number of bits the memory package 200 is designedor configured to support per memory address. Thus, if, for example, thememory package 200 is configured to be a 16-bit memory, the memorypackage 200 may include 16 pairs of data conduits 232 and 16 pairs ofcorresponding die interconnects 220. Similarly, if the memory package200 is configured as a 32- or 64-bit memory, the memory package 200 mayinclude 32 or 64 pairs of data conduits 232 and 32 or 64 pairs ofcorresponding die interconnects 220. Generally, the data conduits anddie interconnects for each bit are configured identically. Thus, for thememory package 200, each data conduit is configured to be in electricalcommunication with a die interconnect that is configured to be inelectrical communication with a pair of the array dies 210. However, itis possible that, in some embodiments, the data conduits and dieinterconnects of different bits may be configured differently.

In certain embodiments, the same die interconnects and the samecorresponding data conduits may be used to transfer data both to andfrom the array dies 210. In such embodiments, the die interconnects maybe bi-directional. In alternative embodiments, separate dieinterconnects and corresponding data conduits may be used to transferdata to the array dies 210 and data from the array dies 210 to thecontrol die 230. Thus, such embodiments may include double the number ofdie interconnects and data conduits as embodiments that use the same dieinterconnect to transfer data to and from an array die.

In some embodiments, the control die 230 may include additionalcommand/address conduits 240 and die interconnects 242, which may be inelectrical communication with at least one port of each of the arraydies 210. For simplicity, FIG. 2 shows only a single such conduit 240and die interconnect 242. The command/address conduits 240 areconfigured to provide corresponding signals to the die interconnects242. These signals may be command signals, address signals, or may serveas both command and address signals (e.g., may include a memory celladdress and a write command or a read command) either simultaneously orbased on a determining criterion, such as the edge of a clock signal.The command die 230 may include a command/address conduit 240 andcorresponding die interconnect 242 for each bit of the command/addresssignals that the memory package 200 is configured to support. The numberof bits of the command/address signals may be the same or may bedifferent from the number of data bits of the memory package 200.

In addition, in certain embodiments, the control die 230 may include aplurality of chip select conduits 250 (e.g., chip select conduits 250a-250 d as shown in FIG. 2). Further, the control die 230 may includecorresponding die interconnects 252 (e.g., die interconnects 252 a-252d) with one die interconnect 252 in electrical communication with onechip select conduit 250 and one array die 210. Each of the dieinterconnects 252 may be in electrical communication with a differentarray die 210. For example, the die interconnect 252 a may be inelectrical communication with the array die 210 a and the dieinterconnect 252 b may be in electrical communication with the array die210 b. Each of the chip select conduits 250 may be configured to providea chip select signal to a corresponding array die 210 via acorresponding die interconnect 252.

In some embodiments, the control die 230 may include additional driversthat are configured to drive the chip select signals along the dieinterconnects 252. Alternatively, the chip select signals may be drivenby drivers that are external to the control die 230. For example, aregister (not shown) that is part of a memory module that includes thememory package 200 may determine the chip select signals and drive thechip select signals to the array dies 210. As a second example, the chipselect signals may be provided by an MCH. In some embodiments, thecontrol die 230 may determine the array die 210 to select based on, forexample, an address signal. In such embodiments, the control die maygenerate the chip select signals.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates another example embodiment of a memorypackage 300 in accordance with the present disclosure. In certainembodiments, some or all of the embodiments described above with respectto the memory package 200 may be applicable to the memory package 300.However, for ease of illustration and to simplify discussion, certainelements are omitted in FIG. 3, such as the chip select conduits.Nevertheless, it should be understood that the memory package 300 caninclude the same or similar elements as described above with respect tothe memory package 200, including, for example, the chip selectconduits.

The memory package 300 may include a plurality of array dies 310 (e.g.,array dies 310 a-310 h). In the implementation illustrated in FIG. 3,the memory package includes eight array dies. However, as statedearlier, the memory package 300 may include more or fewer array dies.Each of the array dies 310 may include one or more ports (not shown)that enable electrical communication between the circuitry of the arraydies 310 and one or more die interconnects 320. Each of these dieinterconnects 320 may be coupled to, or in electrical communication withat least one port of at least one of the array dies 310. As with thememory package 200, in certain embodiments, at least one of the dieinterconnects 320 is in electrical communication with at least one portfrom each of at least two array dies 310 without being in electricalcommunication with a port from at least one array die 310, which may bein electrical communication with a different die interconnect 320.

In addition to the plurality of array dies 310, the memory package 300includes a control die 330. In some embodiments, the control die 330 mayinclude a number of conduits 332 (e.g., conduits 332 a-332 f). Each ofthese conduits 332 may be configured to transmit a signal to a singledie interconnect 320.

Further, implementations of the conduits 332 may include one or moredrivers 334 (e.g., drivers 334 a-334 f). Each of the drivers 334 may beconfigured to drive a signal along a corresponding die interconnect 320.For instance, the driver 334 a of the conduit 332 a may be configured todrive a signal along the die interconnect 320 a to one or more of thearray dies 310 a and 310 b. As a second example, the driver 334 b of theconduit 332 b may be configured to drive a signal along the dieinterconnect 320 b to one or more of the array dies 310 c and 310 d.Although the die interconnect 320 b may pass through the array dies 310a and 310 b, because the die interconnect 320 b, in the exampleillustrated in FIG. 3, is not configured to be in electricalcommunication with the array dies 310 a and 310 b, the driver 334 b doesnot drive the signal to the array dies 310 a and 310 b.

In some embodiments, the signal can be a data signal, a command oraddress signal, a chip select signal, a supply voltage signal, or aground voltage signal, to name a few. Further, as the signal is notlimited to a data signal, in some embodiments, the conduits 332 mayinclude conduits configured to provide signals other than data signalsto the die interconnects 320. For example, the conduits may includeconduits configured to provide a command or address signal, a chipselect signal, a supply voltage signal, or a ground voltage signal toone or more die interconnects. Consequently, in some embodiments, thedrivers 334 may be configured to drive signals other than data signals.

Generally, the signal that each of the drivers 334 drive to thecorresponding die interconnects 320 is from a common source. Thus, eachof the drivers 334, in certain embodiments, is driving the same signalto each corresponding die interconnect 320.

The size of the drivers 334 is generally related to the load on thedriver 334. In certain embodiments, the load on each driver 334corresponds to the load of the respective conduit 332. Although notlimited as such, the load may be measured as a capacitive load, such asa parasitic capacitance.

The load on each of the conduits 332 may include at least the loads ofthe die interconnect 320 with which the conduit 332 is coupled orconnected as well as the loads of each array die 310 with which the dieinterconnect 320 is in electrical communication via a port of the dieinterconnect 320. Thus, for example, the loads of the conduit 332 a mayinclude the loads of the die interconnect 320 a, the array die 310 a,and the array die 310 b. Similarly, the loads of the conduit 332 b mayinclude the loads of the die interconnect 320 b, the array die 310 c,and the array die 310 d. The loads of both conduits 332 a and 332 binclude a load of two array dies 310 because the corresponding dieinterconnects 320 are each configured to be in electrical communicationwith two array dies 310. On the other hand, the load of the conduit 332c, which may include the loads of the die interconnect 320 c and thearray die 310 e, includes a load of one array die 310 e because thecorresponding die interconnect 320 c is configured to be in electricalcommunication with only one array die 310.

As previously described with respect to FIG. 2, a load that would be ona conduit that was in electrical communication with a die interconnectthat was in electrical communication with at least one port of each ofthe array dies 310 can be considered the maximum load for a conduit.This maximum load is the load of a conduit of a memory package that doesnot implement the teachings of this disclosure, but is used inaccordance with conventional configurations.

In some implementations, the difference between the loads of any pair ofthe conduits 332 is less than the maximum load for a conduit asdescribed above. For instance, the difference between the load of theconduit 332 a and the load of the conduit 332 b is less than the maximumload. As a second example, the difference between the load of theconduit 334 f and anyone of the conduits 334 a 334 e is less than themaximum load. Thus, in some cases, the load on each of the conduits 332may be, at least partially balanced or equalized to reduce or minimizethe difference between the load of any pair of the conduits 332. In someimplementations, the difference between the load of a pair of theconduits 332 is zero or substantially zero. In some embodiments, thelength of each die interconnect 320, and the number of array dies 310 inelectrical communication with each die interconnect 320 may be selectedto maintain the difference between the load of any pair of the conduits332 to be at or below a threshold load difference.

For certain embodiments, the load of each conduit is less than themaximum load as described above. Thus, for example, the load of theconduit 332 a, the load of the conduit 332 b, and the load of theconduit 332 c are each less than the maximum load defined above.

In certain embodiments, the load associated with each of the array dies310 may be substantially equivalent. For example, the load of the arraydie 310 a may be substantially equal to the load of the array die 310 h.Thus, the load contribution from the array dies 310 for a specificconduit 332 may be measured as a multiple of the array dies that are inelectrical communication with a die interconnect 320 corresponding to aspecific conduit 332. For example, assuming that the load of each of thearray dies 310 is ‘L’, then the contribution of the load from the arraydies 310 to the conduit 332 a would be 2 L because the die interconnect320 a corresponding to the conduit 332 a is in electrical communicationwith two array dies 310, array dies 310 a and 310 b. In alternativeembodiments, the load of each of the array dies 310 a may differ. Forexample, the load of array die 310 a may be L and the load of the arraydie 310 b may be 1.25 L.

Similar to the array dies 310, in some embodiments, a die interconnect320 can be considered to comprise a plurality of segments, with eachsegment of a die interconnect 320 contributing a substantiallyequivalent load to the load of the die interconnect 320. In this case,the segment of the die interconnect 320 may refer to the portion of thedie interconnect between two successive or adjacent dies (arraydie-to-array die, master die-to-array die, or both) along the dieinterconnect 320. Further, the segment may be defined as a portion ofthe die interconnect 320 between the dies exclusive of a portion of thedies. For example, one segment of the die interconnect 320 a may extendfrom the top of the array die 310 a to the bottom of the array die 310b. Alternatively, the segment may be defined to include at least aportion of at least one of the array dies 310. For example, one segmentof the die interconnect 320 a may extend from the center of array die310 a to the center of array die 310 b. As a second example, one segmentof the die interconnect 320 a may extend from the top of the control die330 to the top of the array die 310 a, and therefore may include aportion of the die interconnect 320 a extending from the bottom of thearray die 310 a to the top of the array die 310 a. In someimplementations, the segments are substantially equal in length to eachother. Moreover, the load contribution of each segment may besubstantially equal to each other. Alternatively, the segments may beunequal in length and/or may each contribute a different load to thetotal load of a die interconnect 320. Further, in some cases, the loadcontribution of a segment of the die interconnect 320 that is inelectrical communication with a port of an array die 310 may differ fromthe load contribution of a segment of the die interconnect 320 that isnot in electrical communication with a port of an array die 310.

In some cases, the load contribution of each segment of the dieinterconnect 320 may be measured as a fraction of the load contributionfrom an array die 310. For example, the load of one segment of the dieinterconnect 320 a may be equivalent to one quarter of the load of anarray die 310. Thus, for example, the load of the conduit 332 a may be2.5 L assuming a load contribution of L per array die 310 (two in thiscase) in electrical communication with the die interconnect 320 a and aload contribution of 0.25 L per segment (two in this case) of the dieinterconnect 320 a. As a second example, the load of the conduit 332 fmay be 3 L assuming the same load values as the previous example and aload contribution from one array die 310 h and eight die interconnect320 f segments. Table 1 specifies the capacitive load values for eachconduit 332 assuming, as with the previous two examples, that the loadof each of the array dies 310 is L, and that the load of each segment ofthe die interconnects 320 is 0.25 L. Table 1 also specifies thedeviation in load from the conduits having the highest load value, whichin this example are conduits 332 b and 332 f.

TABLE 1 Number of Die Number of interconnect Capacitive Deviation fromConduit Array Dies Segments Load Maximum Load 332a 2 2  2.5 L 0.5 332b 24   3 L 0 332c 1 5 2.25 L 0.75 332d 1 6  2.5 L 0.5 332e 1 7 2.75 L 0.25332f 1 8   3 L 0

As can be seen from Table 1, the maximum load of any conduit 332, usingthe example values previously described, is 3 L, or rather three timesthe load of a single array die 310. Assuming the same example values,the load of a conduit in electrical communication with a dieinterconnect that itself is in electrical communication with each arraydie 310 would be 10 L. Thus, certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure enable a reduction in the load of the conduits 332.Consequently, in some embodiments, the drivers 334 may each be smallerthan a single driver that is configured to drive a signal from a conduitalong a single die interconnect that is in electrical communication witha port from each of the array dies 310. Moreover, the drivers 334 mayinclude smaller transistor sizes than a single driver that is configuredto drive a signal to each of the array dies 110.

As can be seen from Table 1, conduits 332 b and 332 f have the largestcapacitive load of the group of conduits, which is 3 L. Conduit 332 hasthe smallest capacitive load of the group of conduits, which is 2.25 Land which is a deviation of only 0.75 from the maximum load. Thus, insome embodiments, each of the drivers 334 may be substantially similarin size. In certain implementations, the drivers 334 may vary in sizebased on the total capacitive load on each conduit 332. Thus, the driver334 f may be larger than the driver 334 e. Alternatively, each driver334 may be substantially equal and may be configured based on thedrivers 334 with the largest load, which are drivers 334 b and 334 f inthe example illustrated in FIG. 3 and Table 1.

In some embodiments, the capacitive load of each conduit 332 or driver334 can be calculated using formula (1).

CL=AD+S/M

In formula (1), CL represents the capacitive load of a conduit 332 ordriver 334, AD represents the number of array dies 310 in electricalcommunication with a die interconnect 320 that is in electricalcommunication with the conduit 332 and/or driver 334, S represents thenumber of die interconnect segments of the die interconnect 320, and Mrepresents the ratio of the load of an array die 310 to the load of asegment of a die interconnect 320. Thus, using formula (1) and theexample values described above, the load of the driver 332 a, forexample, can be calculated with the following values: AD=2, for twoarray dies 310; S=2, for the two segments of the die interconnect 320 a;and M=4, for the ratio of the load of an array die 310, L, to the loadof a segment of the die interconnect 320 a, 0.25 L. Therefore, as can beseen from Table 1, the capacitive load of the driver 332 a is 2.5 Lwhere L is the load of a single array die.

In some cases, the load on each conduit 332 and/or driver 334 may beevenly balanced. In other words, the load on each conduit 332 and/ordriver 334 may be substantially the same. To achieve a balanced load,each of the conduits 332 may be in electrical communication with acombination of array dies 310 and die interconnect 320 segments thatresults in a load that is substantially equivalent to the loads of theother conduits 332. In certain embodiments, the load of the conduits 332is balanced despite each conduit 332 being in electrical communicationwith a different subset of the array dies 310. However, in alternativeembodiments, the load of each conduit 332 and/or driver 334 may differ.This difference in the load of the conduits 332 and/or drivers 334 maybe a design decision (e.g. to maintain a specific number of drivers).Alternatively, or in addition, the load difference between conduits 332and/or drivers 334 may occur because the loads of the array dies 310 andthe die interconnect segments 320 do not allow for perfect orsubstantially even load balancing.

As previously stated, in some embodiments the loads of the conduits 332and/or drivers 334 may be balanced to minimize the difference betweenany pair of conduits 332 and/or drivers 334. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 3, a driver in electrical communication with a longer dieinterconnect, which may consequently include more die interconnectsegments, is likely to obtain a larger load contribution from the dieinterconnect than a driver in electrical communication with a shorterdie interconnect (e.g., compare driver 334 f to 334 a). Thus, the driverin electrical communication with the longer die interconnect may be inelectrical communication with fewer array dies than the driver inelectrical communication with the shorter die interconnect (e.g. comparedriver 334 f to 334 a). The selection of die interconnect length and theselection of array dies to place in electrical communication with thedie interconnects may therefore be dependent on the load of each segmentof the die interconnects 320 and the loads of the array dies 310.

Alternatively, or in addition, the loads of the conduits 332 and/ordrivers 334 may be balanced to reduce the maximum load of each conduit332 and/or driver 334. Further, in some embodiments, the maximum load ofeach conduit 332 and/or driver 334 may be reduced to maintain the loadof each conduit 332 and/or driver 334 to be at or below a threshold loaddifference.

Although not illustrated in FIG. 3, each of the conduits 332 may includeone or more additional drivers configured to drive a signal receivedfrom an array die via a corresponding die interconnect 320. Theadditional drivers may drive the signal to a processor, a register, alatch, or any other component or device that mayor may not be part of amemory module that includes the memory package 300. In someimplementations, one or more of the die interconnects 320 are configuredto be bi-directional, thereby enabling a signal to be driven to thearray dies 310 via the die interconnect 320, and to enable a signalreceived from the array dies 310 along the same die interconnect 320 tobe transmitted to a corresponding conduit 332 of the control die 330.Alternatively, the memory package 300 comprises one or more dieinterconnects 320 that are configured to enable a signal to be driven tothe array dies 310 without enabling a signal to be received from thearray dies 310 (e.g., the die interconnects 320 may not bebidirectional). In certain embodiments where one or more of the dieinterconnects 320 are not bi-directional, the memory package 300 mayinclude additional die interconnects (not shown) that are in electricalcommunication with the one or more additional conduits or drivers andthat are configured to enable a signal from the array dies 310 to betransmitted to the one or more additional conduits or drivers.

In addition to the drivers 334 of the control die 330, the memorypackage 300 may include one or more pre-drivers 340. A pre-driver 340,shown schematically in FIG. 3, may be large enough to drive a signal(e.g., a data signal) to any of the drivers 332 and subsequently, to anyof the array dies 310. Thus, using the same example values as describedabove in relation to Table 1, a load of the pre-driver 340 may be atleast 10 l, which is the load of a conduit in electrical communicationwith a die interconnect that is in electrical communication with a portfrom each of the array dies 310. In some embodiments, the memory package300 may include any number of additional drivers and/or latches forbuffering and/or driving the signal to any of the array dies 310.

Just as the memory package 300 may include a pre-driver 340 forproviding a signal to the conduits 332, the memory package 300 mayinclude a post-driver (not shown) for driving an output signal from thecontrol die 330. This post-driver may drive the output signal toadditional latches and/or drivers. In some embodiments, the post-drivermay drive the signal from the memory package 300 to a bus or otherelectrical path that is in electrical communication with the memorypackage 300.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a driver structure 400 of acontrol die (e.g. control die 230) in accordance with the presentdisclosure. The driver structure 400 is configured for a single databit. Thus, a control die for a 32-bit memory package will generallyinclude at least 32 instances of the driver structure 400, one per bit.In some embodiments, the control die 230 may include the driverstructure 400 in place of the combination of drivers 232 a and 232 b.Similarly, in certain embodiments, the control die 330 may include astructure similar to the driver structure 400 in place of the drivers334. In such embodiments, the driver structure 400 would be modified toenable a signal (e.g., data signal) to be driven to the six conduits332.

The driver structure 400 can include an input/output port 402 configuredto receive or send a signal, such as a data signal. Signals received atthe input/output port 402 can be provided to the drivers 404 a and 404b. In turn, these drivers 404 a and 404 b can drive the signal toconduits 406 a and 406 b respectively, which are in electricalcommunication with corresponding die interconnects. Each of the dieinterconnects may be in electrical communication with different arraydies in accordance with certain embodiments described herein.

In some embodiments, the driver structure 400 is bi-directional. In suchembodiments, operation of the drivers 404 a and 404 b, and 408 a and 408b may be controlled or enabled by a control signal (e.g., a directionalcontrol signal). This control signal, in some cases, may correspond toone or more of a command/address signal (e.g., read/write) and a chipselect signal. In some implementations, the drivers 404 a and 404 b maydrive a signal to the array die corresponding to the chip select signal,and not to array dies that do not correspond to a chip select signal.For example, suppose the conduit 406 a is in electrical communicationwith array dies one and two (not shown), and that the conduit 406 b isin electrical communication with array dies three and four (not shown).If a chip select signal is received corresponding to array die two, thenin some implementations, driver 404 a may be configured to drive asignal along a die interconnect in electrical communication with theconduit 406 a to array die one and two. In this example, the driver 404b would not drive the signal because the chip select signal does notcorrespond to either array die three or array die four.

In some embodiments, the drivers 404 a and 404 b may drive a signal toall of the array dies. For example, assume the memory package thatincludes the driver structure 400 also includes four array dies. If thedie interconnect in electrical communication with the conduit 406 a isin electrical communication with two of the array dies, and if the dieinterconnect in electrical communication with the conduit 406 b is inelectrical communication with the other two array dies, then the drivers404 a and 404 b may drive a signal to all four of the array dies of thisexample.

Similar to the input/output port 402, the conduits 406 a and 406 b canbe configured to receive a signal from the die interconnects that are inelectrical communication with the conduits 406 a and 406 b. In turn, thesignal received at one of the conduits 406 a and 406 b can be providedto drivers 408 a and 408 b respectively. The drivers 408 a and 408 b caneach be configured to drive a signal received from a respective dataconduit 406 a and 406 b to the input/output port 402 and to anothercomponent that may be in electrical communication with the input/outputport 402, such as a MCH.

In some embodiments, one or more chip selects, as illustrated in FIG. 2,may be used to select, determine, or enable the array die thatcommunicates the signal to or from one or more of the conduits 406 a and406 b and the drivers 408 a and 408 b. Similarly, in some embodiments,the chip select may select, determine, or enable the array die toreceive and/or respond to the signal driven by the drivers 404 a and 404b to the array dies.

It should be noted that the driver structure 400 is a non-limitingexample for arranging drivers in a control die. Other driver structuresare possible. For example, instead of the drivers 404 a and 408 a beingin electrical communication with the same conduit 406 a, each of thedrivers 404 a and 408 a can be in electrical communication with aseparate conduit and consequently a separate die interconnect. In suchan example, the drivers 404 a and 408 a may still be in electricalcommunication with the same input/output port 402, or each driver may bein electrical communication with a separate port, the driver 404 a inelectrical communication with an input port, and the driver 408 a incommunication with an output port.

FIG. 5 presents a flowchart for an example embodiment of a loadoptimization process 500. In certain embodiments, the load optimizationprocess 500 may be performed, at least in part, by one or more computingsystems. Further, the process 500, in some embodiments, may be used tooptimize one or more loads in a memory package (e.g. memory package 200or memory package 300). Optimizing the loads in the memory package caninclude optimizing the load on one or more conduits and/or drivers. Aspreviously described with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3, the memory packagecan include a plurality of array dies, a plurality of die interconnects,and a control die. Furthermore, the control die can include a pluralityof drivers, each of which may be configured to drive a signal along adie interconnect.

In some implementations, the process 500 can comprise selecting a firstsubset of array dies and a second subset of array dies from a pluralityof array dies (e.g., array dies 310), as shown in operational block 502.Generally, the first subset of array dies and the second subset of arraydies may be exclusive of one another. Thus, the first subset of arraydies does not include any array dies from the second subset of arraydies and vice versa. However, in some cases there may be some overlapbetween the first subset of array dies and the second subset of arraydies. Further, in some cases, at least one of the subsets of array diesincludes more than one array die. For instance, the first subset ofarray dies may include two array dies, and the second subset of arraydies may include one array die, which, depending on the embodiment,mayor may not be included in the first subset of array dies.

Further, the first subset of array dies and the second subset of arraydies may be selected to balance a load on a first driver and a load on asecond driver based, at least in part, on the loads of the array dies310 and on the loads of the die interconnect segments from a first and asecond die interconnect. The first die interconnect may be in electricalcommunication with the first driver and the second die interconnect maybe in electrical communication with the second driver. In someembodiments, the first subset of array dies and the second subset ofarray dies are selected to balance a load on a first conduit and a loadon a second conduit. The load on each driver and/or conduit may becalculated using formula (1) as previously described above. In someembodiments, the first subset of array dies and the second subset ofarray dies may be selected to balance a load on a first driver and aload on a second driver based, at least in part, on the loads of thearray dies 310 without considering the loads of the die interconnectsegments from the first die interconnect and the second dieinterconnect.

The process 500 further comprises forming electrical connections betweenthe first die interconnect and the first subset of array dies in anoperational block 504. The process 500 further comprises formingelectrical connections between the second die interconnect and thesecond subset of array dies in an operational block 506. Forming theelectrical connections places the die interconnects in electricalcommunication with the respective subsets of array dies. In someembodiments, forming the electrical connections can comprise formingelectrical connections between the die interconnects and at least oneport from each array die of the respective subsets of array dies.

The process 500 further comprises selecting a driver size for a firstdriver at block 508 and selecting a driver size for a second driver atblock 510. Selecting the driver size can be based, at least in part, onthe calculated load on the driver. Generally, the greater the load onthe driver, the larger the driver is selected to drive a signal along,for example, a die interconnect. The size of the driver may be adjustedby the selection of the transistor size and/or number of transistorsincluded in the driver. A larger driver often consumes more power than asmaller driver. Thus, in certain embodiments, balancing the loads on thedrivers to reduce the load on each driver can reduce the powerconsumption of a memory package.

In some embodiments, the size of the first driver and the size of thesecond driver are both less than the size sufficient for a driver todrive a signal along a die interconnect to each of the array dies 310(e.g., with less than a predetermined or threshold signal degradation).The threshold signal degradation can be based on anyone or morecharacteristics of a signal. For example, the threshold signaldegradation can be based on the amplitude of the signal, the frequencyof the signal, the noise distortion included in or introduced into thesignal, or the shape of the signal, to name a few.

The process 500 further comprises forming electrical connections betweenthe first die interconnect and the first driver in an operational block512. Similarly, the process 500 further comprises forming electricalconnections between the second die interconnect and the second driver inan operational block 514. Forming the electrical connections places thedie interconnects in electrical communication with the respectivedrivers. In some embodiments, forming the electrical connections cancomprise forming electrical connections between the die interconnectsand a data conduit that includes the respective driver.

Advantageously, certain embodiments of the present disclosure reduce theload on each conduit and on each corresponding driver. In certainembodiments, reducing the load on a driver may increase the speed ofdata transfer between the array dies and other components in a computersystem (e.g. a MCH or a processor). Further, reducing the load on adriver may result in reduced power consumption by the driver andconsequently, by the memory package. In addition, certain embodiments ofthe present disclosure may minimize current switching noise.

Operational Modes

A proposed three-dimensional stacking (3DS) standard for dual in-linememory modules (DIMMs) being considered by the Joint Electron DevicesEngineering Council (JEDEC) addresses three major shortcomings in thecurrent JEDEC registered DIMM (RDIMM) and JEDEC load reduced DIMM(LRDIMM) standards (an example LRDIMM structure 600 is schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 6A). These shortcomings include: a) The DIMM densitylimitation due to the fixed number of chip-select signals received bythe DIMM from the system memory controller. b) The performance loss dueto the increased load on the data bus as the DIMM density (e.g., thenumber of DRAM devices and number of ranks) increases. c) The upperbound of the DIMM density due to the physical DIMM form factor.

Further, the LRDIMM structure 600 may have timing issues due to signalspassing through a single memory buffer 601. In addition, the increasedsize of the data path of the LRDIMM architecture 600, compared to theHCDIMM architecture 602, an example of which is schematicallyillustrated in FIG. 68, may result in more latency and signal integrityissues.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an example memory module 700 that haspreviously been proposed for the 3DS-DIMM standard. The proposed 3DSDual In-line Memory Module (3DS-DIMM) schematically illustrated in FIG.7 attempts to address the above shortcomings using two components, a 3DSregister 712 and a controller die 722. In some implementations, the3DS-DIMM 700 includes the 3DS register 712 (also known as an enhancedDDR3 register). The 3DS register 712 may include a DDR3 JEDEC standardregister with a “rank multiplication” circuit, which increases thenumber of the output chip-select signals for selecting an array die 710by decoding one or more higher-order row or column address bits with theincoming chip-select signals from the system controller. The 3DSRegister 712 can also include a command/address buffer, a registeroperational code buffer (RC word buffer), and rank multiplication logic(e.g., supporting rank multiplication of 1-to-2, 1-to-4, and/or 1-to-8).The 3DS register addresses shortcoming (a) of the JEDEC RDIMM and LRDIMMlisted above.

Another component of the proposed 3DS-DIMM is a 3DS dynamicrandom-access memory (DRAM) package 720. The 3DS DRAM package 720includes a plurality of stacked DDR DRAM chips 724 or array dies. The3DS DRAM package 720 has a data I/O load that is equivalent to the dataI/O load of a single-die DRAM package, regardless of the actual numberof DRAM dies in the 3DS DRAM package 720. The 3DS DRAM package 720 maycomprise a plurality of array dies (e.g., 2, 4 or 8 DDR DRAM dies) and acontroller die 722. The controller die 722 may include data buffers, adata path timing controller, a secondary command/address buffer, aprogrammable secondary 1-to-2 rank decoder, and a data path signal(e.g., DDT, DDT, RTT) controller. Examples of such memory packagesinclude HMC. The 3DS DRAM package 720 addresses the shortcomings (b) and(c) of the JEDEC RDIMM and LRDIMM listed above. However, there aredeficiencies in the proposed 3DS-DIMM standard as described below.

The JEDEC DDR3 RDIMM standard contains two major components: a DDR3register and a plurality of DRAM packages each comprising one or moreDRAM chips or dies. The DDR3 register serves as a command/address signalbuffer and as a command/control decoder. This DDR3 register holds a setof register control (RC) words, which a computer system configures toensure the proper operation of the RDIMM. The DDR3 register contains aphase-lock-loop (PLL), which functions as a clock synchronizer for eachRDIMM. The DDR3 register outputs a set of buffered command/addresssignals to all the DRAM packages on the RDIMM, but the data signals aredirectly fed to the DRAM packages from the system memory controller.

In contrast to the JEDEC DDR3 RDIMM standard, the 3DS-DIMM proposalrequires the DRAM package 720 to include the controller die 722 thatcontrols all data paths timing and operations. This arrangement of theDRAM package reduces the load on the data bus, however, it presentsthree significant shortcomings: 1) The command/address buffer in the 3DSDRAM package introduces clock cycle latency since it needs to provideclock synchronous operation to the DRAM dies in the package. 2) The datapath control circuit (e.g., DDT, read/write data direction) in thecontrol die becomes very complicated to support semi-synchronous (flyby)data path control among all 3DS DRAM packages that are on a DIMM. 3) Thevariations in the DRAM die timing characteristics within each 3DS DRAMpackage would be likely to require resynchronization of the data signalsduring the read/write operations, which increases the read/write latencyand the read-to-write and write-to-read turn around time.

The 3DS-DIMM proposal can also be compared to the HyperCloud™ (HC) DIMMarchitecture of Netlist, Inc. An example of the HCDIMM architecture 602is illustrated in FIG. 68. Further details and embodiments of the HCDIMMarchitecture is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,289,386, 7,532,537,7,619,912, and 7,636,274, each of which is incorporated in its entiretyby reference herein. One of the main topological differences between the3DS-DIMM and HCDIMM architectures is that while the 3DS-DIMMarchitecture uses a control die 722 to buffer the data signals and todecode command/address signals from the 3DS register, certainconfigurations of the HCDIMM architecture include a plurality ofisolation devices (ID), each of which includes data buffers, but nodecoding capability. Unlike the HCDIMM architecture, since thecommand/address signal needs to pass through the control die 722 in the3DS DRAM package 720, the 3DSDIMM proposal presents the same shortcoming(b) of the controller die described above. The data path control signalsare generated by the register device (RD) 612 in the HCDIMM architecture602, while the data path control signals are generated by the controldie 722 in the 3DS DRAM. This aspect of the 3DS-DIMM architecturecreates timing critical control paths in 3DS-DIMM architecture.

In certain embodiments described herein, a memory module architecture isproposed that includes a set of device components that support JEDEC 3DSoperation with the benefit of RDIMM and HCDIMM architectures (see, e.g.,FIG. 8). This set of device components may comprise two components: aregister device 812 (RD), which in some embodiments may be the same orsimilar RD component as used in HCDIMM architectures, and a plurality ofarray dies 824, such as a DDR DRAM Stack Package (DDSP). The DDSP maycomprise a DRAM control die that can include command/address buffers anda data path control circuit. Certain embodiments of the architecturedescribed herein differs from the 3DS-DIMM architecture in that insteadof the controller die of the 3DS-DIMM (which provides a secondaryaddress buffer, and a second rank multiplication decoder), certainembodiments described herein use an “ID+” die as a control die 822,which can provide both selective isolation and address pass-through.Selective isolation refers generally to a driver corresponding to anarray die driving a signal to the array die in response to acorresponding chip select signal while additional drivers correspondingto additional array dies maintain a previous state (e.g. do not drivethe signal). For example, assuming that the memory package 300implements selective isolation, if a chip select signal is received thatcorresponds to a selection of array die 310 b, then the driver 334 awill drive a signal along the die interconnect 320 a to the array die310 b, and the remaining drivers (e.g., drivers 334 b-334 f) willmaintain their state (e.g., not drive the signal). Address pass-throughis described in further detail below.

The data path control circuit of certain embodiments may have at leasttwo operational modes: mode-C(HCDIMM/RDIMM Compatible mode) and mode-3DS(3DS DIMM compatible mode). In mode-C, the array dies 824 (e.g. a DDSP)receive the data path control signals from the register device 812,which can be configured to control a command/address time slot and adata bus time slot. In mode-3DS, the control die 822 internallygenerates the data path control signals to ensure the proper operationof the data path.

The control die 822 of certain embodiments enables the memory module 800to work as either a 3DS-DIMM, a RDIMM, or a HCDIMM. However, the memorymodule 800 may comprise a set of optional control input pins (inaddition to the package pins that are included in 3DS-DRAM packages)which in mode-C receive the data path control signals from the registerdevice 812.

As previously mentioned, FIG. 8 schematically illustrates an exampleembodiment of a memory module architecture 800 in accordance with thepresent disclosure. Advantageously, certain embodiments of the memorymodule architecture 800 address the shortcomings described above withoutadding complexity or latency, and without causing performance loss. Thememory module architecture 800 includes a memory control hub 802 (alsoknown as a memory controller hub, a memory control handler, or anorthbridge) and a memory module 810. As schematically illustrated inFIG. 8, the memory control hub 802 may communicate directly with one ormore components of the memory module 810. Alternatively, the memorycontrol hub 802 may communicate with one or more intermediary systemcomponents (not shown), which in turn communicate with one or morecomponents of the memory module 810. In some embodiments, the memorycontrol hub 802 may be integrated with another component of the computersystem, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Further, in some embodiments, the memory control hub 802 may communicatewith one or more memory modules. Each of the memory modules may besimilar or substantially similar to the memory module 810.Alternatively, some of the memory modules may differ from memory module810 in configuration, type, or both. For example, some of the memorymodules may be capable of operating at different frequencies, mayinclude a different amount of storage capability, or may be configuredfor different purposes (e.g. graphics versus nongraphics memory).Although in some cases a system may include memory modules capable ofoperating at different frequencies, each memory module may be configuredto operate at the same frequency when used in a specific device. Incertain implementations, the memory control hub 802 may set theoperating frequency for the one or more memory modules.

The memory module 810 may include a register device 812, which isconfigured to receive command, address, or command and address signalsfrom the memory control hub 802. For the purpose of simplifyingdiscussion, and not to limit these signals, the signals will be referredto herein as command/address signals.

In some embodiments, the register device 812 receives thecommand/address signals via a command/address bus 814. Thecommand/address bus 814, although illustrated as a single line, mayinclude as many lines or signal conduits as the number of bits of thecommand/address signal.

Further, the register device 812 may generate data path control signals,which can be provided to a control die 822, or isolation device, of amemory package 820 via one or more data path control lines 816. Incertain embodiments, the control dies 822 can include some or all of theembodiments described above with respect to the control dies 230 and330. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the memory packages 820 caninclude some or all of the embodiments described above with respect tothe memory package 200 and 300. In general, the memory module 812 mayinclude one or more memory packages 820.

In certain embodiments, each control die 822, or isolation device, maybe capable of address pass-through. Address pass-through, in some cases,enables the control die 822 to provide an address signal to one or morearray dies 824 without decoding the address signal. This is possible, insome implementations, because the address signal received by the controldie 822 is not encoded.

Some implementations of the control dies 822 include a plurality ofcommand/address buffers (not shown). These buffers may comprise latches.In certain embodiments, the buffers are configured to holdcommand/address signals to control the timing of command/addresssignals. In some cases, controlling the timing of the command/addresssignals may reduce or slow signal degradation. In some implementations,the control dies 822 include a plurality of data buffers, which maycontrol the timing of data signals to reduce or slow signal degradation.Further, the control dies 822 may include a data path control circuit(not shown) that is configured to control command/address time slots anddata bus time slots. Controlling the command/address time slots and thedata bus time slots enables the control dies 822 to reduce or preventsignal collisions caused by multiple memory packages 820 sharing thedata path control lines 816 and the data bus 818. In someimplementations, the data path control circuit may be separate from thecontrol die 822.

Each of the control dies 822 may be configured to receive data signalsfrom the memory control hub 802 via the data bus 818. Further, thecontrol dies 822 may provide data signals to the memory control hub 802via the data bus 818. The control dies 822 may also receive data pathcontrol signals and/or command/address signals from the register device812 via the data path control lines 816.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, each memory package 820 may include one ormore array dies 824 operatively coupled to the control die 822. Thearray dies 824 may be configured to receive data signals from thecontrol die 822. As with the array dies 210 and 310, the array dies 824may include any type of Random Access Memory (RAM) die. For example, thearray dies 824 may include DDR DRAM, SDRAM, flash memory, or SRAM, toname a few. Further, if the memory module 810 is utilized for graphics,the array dies 824 may include GDDR SDRAM or any other type of graphicsmemory. In addition, the array dies 824 may be configured in a stackarrangement as illustrated in FIG. 8. Alternatively, the array dies 824may be arranged in a planar configuration or a hybrid configurationutilizing both a planar and a stack arrangement.

In some embodiments, the memory module 810 is selectively configurableinto two operational modes. In the first operational mode, the registerdevice 812 generates data path control signals provided to the controldies 822 via the data path control lines 816. The control dies 822 maydecode command/address signals included with the data path controlsignals generated by the register device 812. In some implementations,the control dies 822 use the data path control signals to operate thedata path control circuits of the control dies 822.

In the second operational mode, the control dies 822 may operate thedata path control circuits to provide command/address signals to thearray dies 824 without decoding the command/address signals. In thismode, the control dies 822 may use address pass-through to providereceived address signals to the array dies 824.

Other operational modes may also be possible. In some embodiments, thedata path control signals generated by the register device 812 mayinclude decoded command/address signals that are decoded fromcommand/address signals received from the memory control hub 802 via thecommand/address bus 814.

In some embodiments, the register device 812 may be configured toperform rank multiplication. In addition, or alternatively, the controldies 822 may be configured to perform rank multiplication. Embodimentsof rank multiplication are described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. Nos.7,289,386 and 7,532,537, each of which are incorporated in theirentirety by reference herein. In such embodiments, the register device812 can generate additional chip select signals that are provided to thearray dies 824. For instance, if the memory control hub 802 isconfigured to recognize a single array die 824 per memory package 820,but there exists four array dies 824 per memory package 820, the memorycontrol hub 802 may not provide the correct number of chip selectsignals to access a specific memory location of the plurality of arraydies 824 is memory package 820. Thus, to access the specific memorylocation, the register device 812 can determine the array die thatincludes the specific memory location to be accessed based on thecommand/address signals received from the memory control hub 802 and cangenerate the correct chip select signal to access the array die thatincludes the specific memory location. In certain embodiments, when thememory module 810 is operating in the second operation module asdescribed above, the memory module 810 does not perform rankmultiplication.

TERMINOLOGY

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” The term “coupled” is used to refer tothe connection between two elements, the term refers to two or moreelements that may be either directly connected, or connected by way ofone or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words “herein,”“above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in thisapplication, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to anyparticular portions of this application. Where the context permits,words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or pluralnumber may also include the plural or singular number respectively. Theword “or” in reference to a list of two or more items covers all of thefollowing interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, allof the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, whileprocesses or blocks are presented in a given order, alternativeembodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems havingblocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may bedeleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified. Each ofthese processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of differentways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as beingperformed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performedin parallel, or may be performed at different times.

The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,”“may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, orotherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intendedto convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments donot include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, suchconditional language is not generally intended to imply that features,elements and/or states are in any way required for one or moreembodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logicfor deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether thesefeatures, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed inany particular embodiment.

While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, theseembodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methodsand systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of otherforms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in theform of the methods and systems described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims andtheir equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications aswould fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A memory module operable in a computer system tocommunicate with a system memory controller via a command/address busand a data bus, comprising: a printed circuit board; a register devicemounted on the printed circuit board and configured to receive inputcommand/address signals from the system memory controller via thecommand/address bus and to output control signals in response to theinput command/address signals, the control signals including chip-selectsignals; and a plurality of DRAM packages mounted on the printed circuitboard, each respective DRAM package comprising: control terminalscoupled to the register device; data terminals coupled to a respectivesection of the data bus; stacked array dies; a control die includingdata signal conduits coupled to the data terminals and control signalconduits coupled to the control terminals, the control signal conduitsincluding chip-select conduits for receiving the chip select signals andproviding respective ones of the chip select signals to respective onesof the stacked array dies; and die interconnects including first dieinterconnects coupled to the data signal conduits and second dieinterconnects coupled to the control signal conduits, each of at least asubset of the first die interconnects is coupled to at least two of thestacked array dies; and wherein the control die is configured to controlthe data signal conduits in accordance with the control signals toenable the each respective DRAM package to communicate a respective setof bits of one or more data signals between a selected die among thestacked dies and the data terminals, the selected die having receivedone of the chip select signals that is different from any of the otherones of the chip select signals.